Seven firsts aid Knights' victory

Despite not fielding lifters in two weight classes, River Ridge, led by Mike Tubolino, defeats Pasco and Hudson.

DADE CITY -- River Ridge entered its tri-meet with Pasco and Hudson on Wednesday a little short-handed. The Knights did not have a lifter at 154 and 183 pounds.

But the rest of the Knights made up for the holes, winning seven of the remaining eight classes. That accounted for 35 of River Ridge's 42 points and helped beat Pasco's 34 points. Hudson was within striking distance, finishing third with 31.

"We're real good light and heavy," River Ridge coach Mike Marlin said. "We've got (Mike) Tubolino up top and (Gary) Pargament at the bottom."

Tubolino, in the 238-pound class, was the most dominant lifter. He totaled a meet-best 630 pounds, 125 more than second-place Mickey Roberts of Pasco.

Pasco excelled in the River Ridge-less 154- and 183-pound classes. It picked up seven points in each class as Robert Beauvais (154) and Kirk Moats (183) finished first.

The Pirates were hurt by holes at the top and bottom of the meet.

"The team overall is real young, and my heavyweight, Daniel Stallings, is hurt," Pasco coach Dave Gaffney said. "I don't have any 119s, and that hurts us there."

Steve Gordon (219) was the only Cobra to win a class. Hudson did have six lifters finish second, with three losing by a combined 30 pounds.

"We lost points in every weight class. (But) this is a good meet for us," Hudson coach Mark Kantor said. "Some of our lifters showed up. Some of them didn't. They know now that they have to show up every time."